Constitution

Below is the current Galway Community Pride Constitution

 

Galway Community Pride
Constitution

Last Updated 11/06/2020

Name
Galway Community Pride

Vision Statement
The Galway Community Pride Committee aims to reflect equally the diversity within the LGBT+ community by encouraging positive participation from the community in the Galway Community Pride committee and events.

Aims

  • To ensure the committee reflects the LGBT+ community, works in an effective manner and is both transparent and accountable.
  • To organise an accessible and safe Galway Community Pride.
  • To source funding for the future development of Galway Community Pride through grant applications and fundraising events.
  • To highlight issues relevant to the LGBT+ community through the Galway Community Pride committee.

Committee Membership

  • The membership is open to LGBT+ people or those working with the LGBT+ community and who are interested in organising Pride.
  • The committee shall consist of a minimum of seven members and a maximum of fifteen.
  • If a committee member misses three consecutive meetings without an apology then the member may be deemed no longer a member of the community.
  • New members may be brought onto the committee at any time but must be proposed and seconded by existing committee members.
  • Members will be required to sign up to the voluntary agreement and abide by the ground rules and policies and procedures of the committee and be committed to promoting its aims and values.
  • In order to be eligible to serve on the committee for Galway Community Pride a potential candidate must a) be ordinarily resident in, or b) have significant ties to Galway city/county.
  • Committee members who do not adhere to this constitution will no longer be deemed a member of the committee.

Officers
The committee currently holds the following officer positions:

  • Chairperson
  • Vice-Chairperson
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Social Media Coordinator
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Fundraising Officer
  • Irish Officer
  • Pride Week Coordinator
  • Promotions Officer
  • Events Officer
  • Parade Coordinator
  • Two Ordinary Committee Members.

Additional officers may be elected as required by the committee.

In the case of a named officer** resigning an EGM must be held, at the earliest convenience of the committee, to fill the vacant role. In the interim period, another member of the committee may take over the vacant officers duties until an officer is elected at an EGM.

Meetings
No decision can be made at committee meetings where a quorum is not present. A quorum is made up of 50% of the committee plus one.

A minimum of six committee meetings will be held each year, including an Annual General Meeting.

The committee aims to hold at least one general meeting each year with the wider LGBT+ community.

Decision Making
The committee will endeavour to reach a consensus on decisions. In the event of this not happening, decisions will be taken by a majority vote.

Voting will be open.

Each committee member, bar the chairperson, is entitled to one vote. The member must be present to vote.

In the event of a tied vote, the chairperson will have the casting vote.

Annual General Meeting – AGM
The committee will hold an AGM each year.

Notice will be given to the wider LGBT+ community at least 21 days in advance in writing which will include the time, date, and venue of the AGM. When practical, the AGM so should take place for the following pride in the previous calendar year – ie, the AGM for the 2020 Pride committee would take place late 2019.

All of the committee members will step down at each AGM but will be eligible for re-election, subject to a maximum of five years consecutive service.

All officers who have served for three consecutive years may not be re-elected into the same office but may be re-elected into another office, subject to the maximum of five years in consecutive service.

If required, constitutional changes can be proposed by outgoing committee members, incoming committee member or attendees, and adopted at the AGM.

Extraordinary General Meeting – EGM
An Extraordinary General Meeting will be called in cases where changes are to be made to the constitution or where there is misconduct on the part of a member or officer.

An EGM may be called by submitting the reason for the EGM to the chairperson and/or the Secretary in a letter signed by not fewer than three members of the committee.

In such an event the committee will be obligated to organise an EGM within ten days. This task may be designated to the chairperson or secretary.

Amendment to Constitution
A proposal to amend the constitution may be made by the committee, any individual member of the committee or any three members of the organisation.

The proposal will be placed in the AGM or EGM Agenda of the Organisation. The amendment will be deemed effective if passed by a two-thirds majority of the meeting.

Sub-Groups
Sub-groups such as a finance sub-group, a PRO sub-group will be set up by the committee. These sub-groups will operate or be guided by a Terms of Reference ratified by the committee.

Sub-groups can consist of members from outside the committee. The sub-groups will always be chaired by a member of the committee.

Each sub-group will be required to keep minutes of the meetings and provide a written report to the committee after each sub-group meeting.

Links to regional/national structures
The committee may participate in relevant national and regional structures.

Financial Accountability
The committee will cause proper books of accounts to be kept according to the financial policy of the Galway Community Pride Committee.

Intellectual Property
If any member of the Galway Community Pride Committee should have reason to invent either a new Galway Community Pride specific event, product, or extension* then they recognise that this event or extension is the intellectual property of Galway Community Pride. This ownership can be returned to the individual committee member by way of committee vote after a request for same from the committee member in question.

Bilingualism
All material produced by Galway Community Pride must be provided, wherein possible, in both English and Irish. If it should arise that there is a conflict between the information in the two versions of the Constitution the English version that take precedence.

Dissolution of the Committee
The Galway Community Pride committee may only be dissolved by a special meeting called for that purpose. Such a meeting shall come about following a proposal in writing signed by a simple majority of those remaining on the committee being submitted to the secretary.

All members shall be informed, in writing, of such a meeting at least 21 days before the date of the meeting.

Dissolution of the committee shall only take effect if agreed by two-thirds of the members present and voting at that meeting.

Any assets remaining, after meeting liabilities, must be distributed among the local LGBT+ community groups with similar aims of the Galway Community Pride Festival committee. These groups will be nominated during the meeting.

Any money received via funding bodies should be returned to the funders in relation to the funding criteria.

On dissolution, any documents belonging to the committee shall be disposed of in a manner agreed by that meeting.

Disciplinary Procedures
A proposal to expel a member of the committee may be made in the event of:

  • The committee member acting in a manner contrary to the vision and values, aims and obligations of the Galway Community Pride Festival committee.
  • Persistent non-attendance at committee meetings or sub-group meeting
  • Misuse of funds
  • Misconduct including breaching rules of the constitution, offensive and abusive behaviour.

In the event of a member being removed from the committee due to misconduct, that person will not be entitled to stand in an election of officers for a minimum of two years.

Agreement
Each member of the committee or subgroup, whether elected at an AGM, EGM, or committee meeting, will be expected to sign a copy of this constitution and agree to abide by, uphold and act in accordance with the constitution of the Galway Community Pride Festival committee.

Notes and Clarifications

Article 14:
* “event, product, or extension” is not inclusive of everything covered in this section. Logos, artwork, music, t-shirts, merch etc. can be included on this list and more to the discretion of the committee.

**The requirement to have an EGM does not arise in the resignation of an OCM.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Below is the new proposed Galway Community Pride Constitution

 Proposed Galway Community Pride
Constitution

1. Name  

The name of the organisation will be Galway Community Pride 

2. Statements 

a. Mission 

The mission of Galway Pride is work to influence legislation and societal positions, nationally and globally, for the purpose of improving the conditions for sexual and gender identity minorities, including producing an annual Galway Pride Week, as well as other events. 

b. Vision 

Our vision is to create a better Ireland in which all LGBTI+ people live safely and openly as our whole selves in the communities we call home. 

c. Philosophy 

Our work is grounded in social justice. We are committed to: 

  • Harnessing our fundraising, grant making, program, and advocacy efforts to address root causes of discrimination impacting the LGBTI+ community; 
  • Supporting community leaders and organisations that work to eliminate long-standing barriers to equal access, opportunities, and resources for LGBTI+ people; and 
  • Expanding and deepening the level of engagement among all LGBTI+ people and allies, including people who are economically, racially, socially, geographically, or politically disenfranchised. 

d. Core Values 

We are guided by these core values: 

Courage, Diversity, Inclusion, Equality, Integrity, Innovation, Hope and Justice 

 

3. Aims  

  • To ensure the committee reflects the LGBTI+  community, works in an effective manner and is both transparent and accountable. 
  • To organise an accessible and safe Galway Community Pride. 
  • To source funding for the future development of Galway Community Pride through grant applications and fundraising events.  
  • To highlight issues relevant to the LGBTI+   community through the Galway Community Pride committee.  

 

4. Committee Membership  

  • The membership is open to LGBTI+ people or those working with the LGBTI+ community and who are interested and invested in organising Galway Community Pride.  
  • The committee shall consist of a minimum of seven members and a maximum of fifteen.  
  • If a committee member misses three consecutive meetings without an apology then the member may be deemed no longer a member of the committee.  
  • New members may be brought onto the committee at any time but must be proposed and seconded by existing committee members.  
  • Members will be required to sign up to the Volunteer Code of Conduct and to this Constitution and abide by the policies and procedures of the committee.  
  • Committee members who do not adhere to this constitution will no longer be deemed a member of the committee.  

 

 

5. Officers 

  • The committee currently holds the following officer positions:
    Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, Volunteer Coordinator, Events Coordinator, Funding/Sponsorship Coordinator, Irish Officer, Parade Coordinator and Youth Officer. 
  • All other members will be deemed Ordinary Committee Members (OCM). 
  • Additional officers may be elected as required by the committee.  
  • In the case of a named officer (non OCM) resigning an EGM may be held, at the earliest convenience of the committee, to fill the vacant role. Or another member of the committee may take over the vacant officers duties and assume that role until an officer is elected at an EGM.  

 

6. Meetings  

  • Any decision that requires a vote may only be made if the meeting is considered quorate. 
  • A quorum is made up of 50% of the committee plus one.  
  • A minimum of six committee meetings will be held each year, including an Annual General 
  • Meeting. The committee aims to hold at least one general meeting each year with the wider LGBTI+  community.  

 

Decision Making 

  • The committee will endeavour to reach a consensus on decisions. In the event of this not happening, decisions will be taken by a majority vote.  
  • Voting will be done via a show of hands. Any committee can request a secret ballot on a decision during a committee meeting 
  • Each committee member, bar the chairperson, is entitled to one vote. The member must be present to vote.  
  • In the event of a tied vote, the chairperson will have the casting vote.  

 

8. Annual General Meeting – AGM 

  • The committee will hold an AGM each year.  
  • Notice will be given to the wider LGBTI+  community at least 21 days in advance in writing which will include the time, date, and venue of the AGM. Notice will be given on the website, social media channels, via the email mailing list and press releases sent to the local press 
  • When practical, the AGM so should take place for the following pride in the previous calendar year – ie, the AGM for the 2020 Pride committee would take place late 2019.  
  • All of the committee members will step down at each AGM but will be eligible for re-election, subject to a maximum of five years consecutive service.  
  • All officers who have served for three consecutive years may not be re-elected into the same office but may be re-elected into another office, subject to the maximum of five years in consecutive service.  
  • If required, constitutional changes can be proposed by outgoing committee members, incoming committee member or attendees, and adopted at the AGM.  

 

9. Extraordinary General Meeting – EGM  

  • An Extraordinary General Meeting will be called in cases where changes are to be made to the constitution, where there is misconduct on the part of a member or officer or where decisions and interactions are required by the community. 
  • An EGM may be called by submitting the reason for the EGM to the chairperson and/or the Secretary in a letter signed by not fewer than two members of the committee.  
  • In such an event the committee will be obligated to organise an EGM within ten days. This task may be designated to the chairperson or secretary, with 21 days notice of the EGM being given. 

 

10. Amendment to Constitution 

  • A proposal to amend the constitution may be made by, any individual member of the committee and discussed at a committee meeting. If deemed an essential change by the majority of the committee an EGM will be organised or the proposal will be held until the AGM. 
  • The proposal will be placed in the AGM or EGM Agenda. The amendment will be deemed effective if passed by a majority of the meeting.  
  • A committee or community member may lodge an appeal against a constitutional change within 14 days of the amendment being voted on. If such a case arises the chairperson and vice-chairperson will arrange a further EGM to be chaired by three independent community members. This EGM will have the sole purpose of discussing the appeal and have only these three possible outcomes: 
    • Dismiss the appeal. 
    • Dismiss the changes. 
    • Ratify the changes. 
  • The decision of this EGM is final.  

 

11. Sub-Groups 

  • Sub-groups may be set up by the committee. These sub-groups will operate or be guided by the policies of Galway Community Pride. 
  • Sub-groups can consist of members from outside the committee. The sub-groups will always be chaired by a member of the committee.  
  • Each sub-group will be required to keep minutes of the meetings and provide a report to the committee after each sub-group meeting.  

 

12. Links to regional/national structures  

The committee may participate in relevant national and regional structures. 

 

13. Financial Accountability 

The committee will cause proper books of accounts to be kept according to the financial policy of the Galway Community Pride Committee. 

 

14. Intellectual Property 

If any member of the Galway Community Pride Committee should have reason to invent either a new Galway Community Pride specific event, product, or extension1 then they recognise that this event or extension is the intellectual property of Galway Community Pride.  

 

15. Bilingualism  

All material produced by Galway Community Pride must be provided, wherein possible, in both English and Irish. If it should arise that there is a conflict between the information in the two versions of the Constitution the English version that take precedence.  

 

16. Dissolution of the Committee 

  • The Galway Community Pride committee may only be dissolved by a special meeting called for that purpose. Such a meeting shall come about following a proposal in writing signed by a simple majority of those remaining on the committee being submitted to the secretary or most senior person on the committee should a secretary not be assigned.  
  • All members shall be informed, in writing, of such a meeting at least 21 days before the date of the meeting.  
  • Dissolution of the committee shall only take effect if agreed by 50% plus one of the members present and voting at that meeting. 
  • Any assets remaining, after meeting liabilities, must be distributed among the local LGBTI+  community groups with similar aims of the Galway Community Pride committee. These groups will be nominated during the meeting. 
  • Any money received via funding bodies should be returned to the funders in relation to the funding criteria. 
  • On dissolution, any documents belonging to the committee shall be disposed of in a manner agreed by that meeting.  

 

17. Disciplinary Procedures 

  • A proposal to expel a member of the committee may be made in the event of: 
    • Persistent non-attendance at committee meetings or sub-group meetings 
    • The committee member acting in a manner contrary to the vision and values, aims and obligations of the Galway Community Pride committee. 
    • Misuse of funds 
    • Misconduct including breaching rules of the constitution, offensive and abusive behaviour. 
  • In the event of a member being removed from the committee due points 2, 3 or 4, that person will not be entitled to stand in an election of officers for a minimum of three years. 

 

18. Agreement  

Each member of the committee or subgroup, whether elected at an AGM, EGM, or committee meeting, will be expected to sign a copy of this constitution and agree to abide by, uphold and act in accordance with the constitution of the Galway Community Pride committee.  

 

Name ______________________________ 

 

Signed ______________________________  

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